Folk Art Reindeer and Leaf Hoop Mobile Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This folk art reindeer and leaf hoop mobile is a gentle little project for anyone who loves handmade nursery decor. It suits confident beginners and anyone comfortable with single crochet, simple increases and decreases, and basic chain stitches. Worked entirely in undyed natural DK merino, it has a soft, warm, off-white look that feels calm and timeless. The small stuffed reindeer head sits at the center of a yarn-wrapped hoop, surrounded by four flat Irish-style lace leaves, and the whole piece hangs from a simple chain loop. It is light, smooth to the touch, and small enough to finish in a weekend.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: DK weight (Category 3), 100% merino, undyed natural color, approximately 50 yards total.
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4).
- Notions: tapestry needle, scissors, small amount of polyester fiberfill for stuffing the head, one 8 inch (20 cm) metal or wooden craft ring, stitch marker.
- Finished size: approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter and 12 inches (30 cm) long including the hanging loop.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (work 2 sc together)
- sc2tog – single crochet 2 stitches together
- MR – magic ring
- sts – stitches
Gauge
20 sc and 22 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Work a small swatch in sc and measure a 4 inch section to check that your stitches match before starting.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension even and slightly firm so the stuffed head holds its round shape and the leaves stay flat.
- Stuff the reindeer head only lightly; overstuffing stretches the stitches and makes the face pieces sit unevenly.
- Leave long yarn tails on every small piece so you can use them to sew pieces on and attach the mobile parts.
- Pin the leaves in place around the hoop before sewing so you can check spacing and alternating directions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Reindeer Head (make 1)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnds 4-6: sc in each st around (18 sts).
Rnd 7: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 8: dec x6 (6 sts).
Stuff lightly, fasten off, and leave a long tail.
Ears (make 2)
Row 1: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch (3 sts).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc (3 sts).
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc (2 sts).
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew ears to the head.
Antlers (make 2)
Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 4 ch (5 sts).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc (5 sts).
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc, sc2tog (3 sts).
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew antlers to the top of the head.
Eyes (make 2)
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc, join with sl st to first sc (4 sts).
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew to the face.
Nose (make 1)
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc, join with sl st to first sc (4 sts).
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew to the face.
Leaf Motif (make 4)
Row 1: Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. Do not turn.
Row 2: Working along the opposite side of the ch, sc in first ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. Join with sl st to first sc (20 sts total around).
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Hoop
Rnd 1: Join yarn to the ring with sl st, work sc evenly around the ring (approximately 60 sc). Join with sl st to first sc.
Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Use the yarn tails to sew the reindeer head to the center of the hoop, then attach the leaves evenly around the hoop, alternating their directions. Make a hanging loop by chaining 20, joining with sl st to form a loop, and attaching it to the top of the hoop. Weave in all ends securely. Lightly steam or mist block the leaves and hoop so they lie flat, then let everything dry completely before hanging.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use a contrasting yarn for the eyes and nose if you want the face to stand out more.
- Add a few extra leaves or vary leaf sizes for a fuller, more layered folk art look.
- Swap the merino for a cotton DK for a crisper, more defined lace leaf shape.
